The site of the "Gladiator tomb" is one of overwhelming cultural and historic value not only for Italy but for all of humanity. Given the response from the academic world and public enthusiasm since its discovery in 2008 for the incredible level of preservation of the site, quality of the tombs and section of Via Flaminia road, and identification of Marcus Nonius Macrinus' mausoleum (readily linked in the press with Academy Award®-winning actor Russell Crowe's Maximus Gladiator character from Ridley Scott's film Gladiator), we believe that the study of site should continue and the site should not be abandoned nor reburied. Currently, the funding of cultural heritage in Italy (and the world) is, indeed, lamentably lacking, but the "Gladiator tomb" site is exactly the sort of discovery that serves to remind us we need to support heritage sites beyond the initial excavation, discovery, and study. And few discoveries around world have struck a chord with such a large worldwide audience. Conservation of the site merits further attention and discussion on costs and overall plans for the site should be open for further discussion.

We, the undersigned archaeologists, scholars, scientists, and members of the general public from all over the world now join with an increasingly large number of Italian citizens to raise our voices in protest against the covering of this unique site and we advocate a forum to discuss alternative solutions.

Time magazine, January 23, 2013Time journalist Stephan Faris writes an in-depth summary of what's at stake for Macrinus' mausoleum and the necropolis site. He speaks extensively with the Italian authorities involved to examine the conservation issues, and also speaks with Darius Arya (AIRC) about the intentions and effects of the ongoing ipetition.

CNN with Ben Wedeman reporting, December 21, 2012Video piece on Italy's austerity cuts that are having effect on many heritage sites and monuments, including the gladiator tomb. Reporting also included interviewing Superintendency's Daniela Rossi (site excavator) and Darius Arya of AIRC, regarding the ipetition.

La Repubblica, December 15, 2012The Superintendency of Rome (SAR) has, for the moment decided to temporarily and provisionally cover the monuments in the site (with tarps, etc.) rather than rebury the site, as previously declared last week. Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) communicates with AIRC via twitter (@saverome)

La Repubblica, December 10, 2012Actor Russell Crowe supports preserving the Gladiator Tomb. The American Institute for Roman Culture starts an online petition to encourage the superintendency to consider all options before reburial of site.

La Repubblica, December 4, 2012The superintendency needs to protect the site, already subjected to difficult environmental conditions. The freezing temperatures cause damage to the worked stone blocks of the tomb. Recognizing that funds are lacking the suiperintendency's solution is to temporarily rebury the site for immediate preservation of the remains.